REPLAY ON-DEMAND -- "WRITE YOUR BOOK" WITH DONALD THOMPSON & BOB BATCHELOR

Get Your Book Project Started (or Finished) with Help From Experts!

Watch the on-demand replay of “Write Your Book,” which outlines the steps from brainstorming through publication.

For more information, check out the conversation I had with EY Entrepreneur of the Year honoree Donald Thompson. Then, see the recent livestream we recorded at https://youtu.be/tGiNRqWGh4Q?si=1wOaFvbLm4dV2KBe

We share expert insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives ready to turn their ideas into a published book. Whether you’re starting with a spark of inspiration or a rough outline, you’ll gain practical advice, motivation, and the tools you need to take the first step toward authorship.

WRITING TIPS TO BEGIN YOUR BOOK JOURNEY

Every author’s journey begins the same way: with a blank page and a glimmer of an idea. For aspiring nonfiction writers—and anyone who feels the tug of a story inside them—the hardest part is often starting. Whether you are a pop culture aficionado, would-be biographer, or someone drawn to capturing history, there is no perfect moment to begin your book.

You just start.

My own writing journey began in a high school newsroom, writing columns and dreaming of the bylines I might someday see in glossy magazines. I came of age in a college town (Slippery Rock, PA, home of Slippery Rock University) where professors and ideas swirled around me. Writing felt aspirational. A cherished teacher—Martha Campbell—rewarded my hard work with a sports column featuring my work: “Batchelor’s Bench.” I loved writing that column and holding our small high school newspaper in my hands.

As a college student, I sent essays to publications that were way out of my league. The rejections piled up, but the process enabled me to slowly build confidence with each reply—published or not. Every so often, there would be a kind note or something that looked like more than a stamped “rejection.” Those were glorious days!

About a decade later, by the time I wrote The 1900s (Greenwood, 2002), I approached it from a researcher’s mindset. I had yet to fully develop my narrative voice, let alone the courage to let it rise on the page. The 1900s, though, served as a foundation: meticulous research, structural discipline, and an unwavering commitment to learning during the writing process.

Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash

If you’re just beginning your book journey, here are five essential tips drawn from my own experience:

1. Establish a Writing Rhythm That Works for You

Life is demanding. Your writing process should complement—not fight—your daily responsibilities. Consistency, not volume, builds momentum. Even 20 minutes a day adds up.

2. Start with a Strong Outline

Before I write a word, I create a detailed Table of Contents. For nonfiction, this map is critical. Think deeply about how you plan to open each chapter—those first lines carry a lot of weight.

3. Don’t Believe in Writer’s Block

Writing is work. Work requires discipline. When I feel creative fatigue, I don’t panic. Instead, I switch gears. Reading for pleasure, often on my Kindle, lets me absorb ideas passively and recharges my creative energy.

4. Let Your Curiosity Drive the Research

Even after I have started writing, I keep researching. Every new detail might unlock a better sentence, a sharper insight, or a deeper connection. Curiosity is your most sustainable writing fuel.

5. Experiment with Storytelling Techniques

In The Bourbon King, I explored a postmodern style in one chapter to capture the extravagance of George Remus’ legendary New Year’s Eve party. Creative nonfiction allows room for innovation…even in history-heavy narratives.

The Bourbon King by cultural historian Bob Batchelor

Most importantly, allow yourself time to grow. The voice you find in your first book might surprise you. It should.

To support your own writing journey, keep reading widely and learning from others. Books like The Bourbon King or Stan Lee: A Life can be models—narrative-driven nonfiction that brings culture, history, and people to vivid life. You can find these and other inspiring reads on Amazon and even save a bit with these offers.

Stan Lee: A Life by Bob Batchelor

So what are you waiting for? Open that document. Name your project.

Take the first step. Your book is waiting.

I use Amazon affiliate links on this site—mainly links to books or other cool things. And if you buy via my links, it supports the site with no extra cost to you. This is a contributed post and may contain affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, but reviewed it and regard the article as a natural fit for my readers.

3 REASONS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SHOULD READ THE AUTHENTIC LEADER

The workplace is undergoing constant change. As a result, young professionals are stepping into roles that demand adaptability, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose. This type of people-first leadership is at the heart of authentic leadership.

The Authentic Leader: The Power of Deep Leadership in Work and Life is a guide for anyone who aspires to lead with integrity and impact, no matter what stage they are at in their career stage. Here’s why young professionals should read this book and the lessons they’ll take away.

1. Leadership Starts Before the Title

Many young professionals assume leadership begins with a promotion, but The Authentic Leader teaches that leadership is a mindset, not a job title. Leadership starts with self-awareness, responsibility, and the ability to positively influence others—whether you’re managing a team or contributing as an individual.

Lesson Learned: Great leaders take ownership of their work, build trust, and inspire those around them long before they reach the executive suite. By embracing leadership principles early, young professionals set themselves apart and create additional opportunities for growth.

2. Authenticity Builds Long-Term Success

In a world that rewards personal branding and social media presence, it is easy to fall into the trap of trying to be who you think others want you to be. The Authentic Leader emphasizes that real success comes from being authentic, aligning your values with your work, and building trust through transparency.

Lesson Learned: The strongest leaders—now and throughout history—have been those who remain true to their values, communicate honestly, and foster real connections. Young professionals who develop these habits early will build lasting credibility and meaningful careers.

3. Emotional Intelligence is the Key to Influence

The workplace is filled with diverse perspectives, challenges, and moments of uncertainty. The Authentic Leader highlights the power of emotional intelligence in navigating relationships, resolving conflicts, and creating positive workplace cultures.

Lesson Learned: Young professionals who practice empathy, active listening, and emotional self-awareness will be better equipped to collaborate, lead, and create a lasting impact in their industries.

Final Thought

Leadership isn’t something you wait for over days, months, and years. It is your responsibility to develop the necessary skills every day. The Authentic Leader provides the tools and insights young professionals need to become confident, purpose-driven leaders in a fast-changing world. By understanding these principles early, they can build careers that are not only successful, but also deeply fulfilling.

Are you ready to take the first step toward authentic leadership? Pick up The Authentic Leader and start shaping your leadership journey today.

The Authentic Leader by Bob Batchelor

JIM MORRISON, 1943-1971

Rock legend Jim Morrison Died in Paris, July 3, 1971

Most of the world would not find out about Morrison’s mysterious death until July 9.

In April 1971, Elektra released L.A. Woman. The album reached number nine on the Billboard album chart and then remained in the top 200 for 36 weeks. Later, in June, “Riders on the Storm” came out as a single and eventually hit number 14.

Before he left for France, Jim gave an impromptu interview to Ben Fong-Torres, an editor at Rolling Stone. The singer explained that the Doors were “at a crossroads of our career,” particularly since young audiences wanted new music by new bands, not an “anachronism” like their group. He spoke of making movies and other interests. By most accounts, Morrison’s future plans didn’t seem to include the Doors.

Jim arrived in Paris on June 12, 1971. He went to Pam’s room at the Hotel George V, which he likened to a whorehouse. She wasn’t there. Before long he was across the street, reportedly drinking whiskey—one after another.

One morning John Densmore answered the phone. It was Jim calling from France. He wanted to find out how L.A. Woman was doing. Densmore told him how the first single had become a hit and that the album was getting a lot of airplay. Jim replied, “I’ll be back and we’ll do some more.”

Three weeks later he would be dead.

Roadhouse Blues: Morrison, the Doors, and the Death Days of the Sixties by Bob Batchelor (Hamilcar Publications)

ROADHOUSE BLUES: MORRISON AND THE DOORS LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE!

Reviews of ROADHOUSE BLUES

 Roadhouse Blues: Morrison, the Doors, and the Death Days of the Sixties won the 2023 IPA Book Award in Music and has been lauded by critics, readers, and Doors aficionados across the globe.

2023 Independent Press Award for Roadhouse Blues

REVIEWS

“Fascinating, informative, extraordinary, and essential reading for the legions of Jim Morrison fans.” – Midwest Book Review

“Bob Batchelor writes with great eloquence and insight about the Doors, the greatest hard-rock band we have ever had, and through this book, we plunge deeply into the mystery that surrounds Jim Morrison. It is Batchelor’s warmth and compassion that ignites Roadhouse Blues and helps explain Morrison’s own miraculous dark fire.” – Jerome Charyn, PEN/Faulkner Award finalist

Splash page for Roadhouse Blues, designed by the eminent Brad Norr

“The most important book for Doors fandom since No One Here Gets Out Alive—and incomparably better! Grouped with Ray, Robby, and John’s books, this is the fourth gospel for fans of The Doors.” – Bradley Netherton, The Doors World Series of Trivia Champion and host of the “Opening The Doors” podcast

“Batchelor writes well and his narrative flows smoothly. His work is an insightful look at the Doors as creative artists and a compelling portrait of Morrison.” – Thomas Hauser, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominee

“Smart, engaging…Batchelor has a technique and perspective that runs through his work: paint a vivid description of what happened, but then, more than a mere journalist or biographer, delve into how it happened and then why it happened. The what is documentarian; the how, and especially the why, require the kind of analysis with imagination that Roadhouse Blues provides.” – Jesse Kavadlo, PopMatters

Roadhouse Blues, published by Hamilcar Publications